Mahbubul Alam, the newly elected president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), has expressed his commitment to bolster trade and business in the country in the days ahead.

The outgoing board of directors led by former president Md Jashim Uddin, who held the position from 2021 to 2023, handed over the responsibilities to the new board at the FBCCI office in Dhaka yesterday.

"Our collective efforts will drive growth in the private sector. I urge for everyone's collaboration in this journey," Alam said after assuming office.

"As of today, we stand united and will work together to foster economic growth and safeguard the private sector," he added.

Alam also shared his plan to set up a world trade centre in Dhaka in addition to several action plans of the new board for the coming days.

These plans include forming a 21-member advisory committee comprised of renowned economists and chartered accountants, fostering initiatives for a smart web portal bringing all chamber associations under the FBCCI, and hosting at least one standing committee meeting every three months.

Outgoing president Jashim Uddin said they dedicated the past two years to elevating the FBCCI to new levels.

"Our strategic policy initiatives have propelled the business community and the private sector forward. I believe the incoming board will maintain this momentum," he added.

A total of 80 directors were elected for the board of directors for the 2023-25 period, with 40 each from the chamber and association groups.

Also, one president, one senior vice-president, and six vice-presidents were elected as office bearers among the board of directors.

Md Amin Helaly, vice president of the Bangladesh Textbook Printing and Marketing Association, took charge as senior vice-president of the new board.

Khairul Huda Chopol, president of the Sunamganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohammad Anwar Sadat Sarker, president of the Gazipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath, president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industry, took over as vice presidents from the chamber group.

Shomi Kaiser, president of the E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh, Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury (Ronni), president of the Meiji Association of Bangladesh, and Md Munir Hossain, president of the Exporters Association of Bangladesh, took charge as vice presidents from the association group.